Paper short abstract:

Through managing design classics, Finland provides a model strategy for the globe not only transmitting the cultural heritage to next generations, but also stimulating the collaboration of different segments of society for the sustainable development serving both monetary and ethical frameworks.

Paper long abstract:

The plethora of consumer objects imposes today a great impact on our everyday cultural patterns which complexify the current sustainability crisis on a "behavioural" basis. This fact turns sustainability to a comprehensive socio-cultural issue beyond manufacturing, disposability or technological frames. Sustainability is the cutting-edge term in the historical process where the generation of meanings and values has been shifted from traditional sources to services and objects produced by industries. This increasing importance turned products integrated in diverse cultures and understandings to a steadfast part of global cultural property throughout the 20th Century. Hence the contemporary cultural heritage embraces the enduring products surviving decades and breaking the stress of obsolescence. Such artefacts are called today in many ways varying from timeless products to design classics. Since heritage focuses on the interpretation of the past as a means of benefiting for the present and the future, timeless products/ design classics can make substantial contribution to the extensive debate regarding sustainability. Their emotional durability as a key factor and their broad acceptance and reputation turn them to a perfect basis on which sustainable awareness and demand can be fostered. For example in Finland where the design-based cultural heritage is competently managed, companies such as Artek and Iittala locate the heritage in the centre of their brand identity. The presence of many case studies such as the "2nd Cycle Project" implemented by Artek provides a unique opportunity to witness how cultural heritage is involved in efforts for a sustainable future in Finnish case.